Ten Ways We Make Sure We Look Our Age.
By Karen and Erica
We were young once, and we had a good time being young. Wouldn’t have missed being young for the world. We felt good, we looked good (we thought) and we were on top of the world.
We didn’t know that much—about anything—when we were young. But we knew we wanted to succeed, we were excited about the future, and we were enthusiastic about our lives. We had few role models for the people we wanted to be—working women—so once we decide to come out as women we had a free hand to design an image for ourselves. And we did—drawing heavily on Diane von Furstenburg’s wrap dresses and Giorgio Armani’s suits. And colorful heels and neon totes.
Now, many decades later, we know quite a lot—about a lot of things. We still want to succeed, we are still excited about the future, and we are still enthusiastic about our lives. But—we are definitely not the young women we used to be, and we have no interest in reliving the past. Being, or looking, young again is not one of our goals. Which is excellent, because it can’t be done.
We are in our 70s, and we want to look our age. Our new age, that is. The sensational 70s.
We are fans of pro-aging—a term we began using some time ago. But we don’t think that means we just let things happen. We know better. We’ve learned over the decades that everything important in life requires care and attention. That includes our appearance. Letting nature take its course does not work, at least for us. So we do things to stay healthy, and fit (more or less), and mentally acute.
Here are ten things we do to look our age.
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We spend time with people, including each other, sometimes in fountains, and time alone. We need both.
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We get regular checkups and follow health advice. Losing our teeth will not help us look our age.
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We use sunscreen, and various moisturizing emollients. Once you have lived for a few decades, you need a little goo to keep your face mobile.
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We work out, Karen with weights, and we walk everywhere. Fast. Trying not to be tripped by the utterly dangerous flexible lane delineators that have been flattened by cars all over the city.
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We try to maintain a Mediterranean diet. We believe in its value, and we like the food. We were disappointed when we were told recently that French fries were not part of that diet.
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A glass of wine or two always perks us up. We know of new research raising heart-palpitating fears about even being in the same room as a bottle of wine. We’re in our 70s, have imbibed many a glass, and it’s too late to scare us.
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We dress. We aim for elegant, graceful, stylish, wherever we are. Makes us feel good, which surely makes us look good.
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We get our hair done. Because our hair expresses who we are now. And we’re far from carbon copies. (Remember what those are?) Classic, polished, uptown is who Erica is. Spiky, acid blond, downtown is who Karen is. Our differences keep us lively.
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We try hard to use makeup. Neither of us has ever had good makeup skills, but we are learning. Andrea is helping!
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We haven’t tried facelifts, but friends have. Why not, if you think your face does not reflect who you are now?
What are you doing to look your fabulous age?
I like this practical advice!!! Who know that we would care about our makeup and clothes when we reached our seventies? Ain’t it grand??❤️
I’m re-remembering how to smile and laugh easily, like I did when I was young. Recently I was filmed as I painted a quick sketch. When I looked at the footage, I was alarmed at how I glared at the canvas—then I laughed. I should never take myself so seriously!
As I age, I aim to relax in my mind more, even while caring gently for this aging body with exercise, lotions and good, healthy food. Laughter is indeed a good medicine.
All of the above though I would like to walk or ride a bike more. I would add to this list: enrich your lives with girlfriends. They are the key to your sanity; they get you and you get them.
We are more forgiving and balanced now that we understand what’s important in life.
An excellent list! I’d like to add, always strive to learn something new. Now that I have more time, I’ve been able to enroll in classes, sometimes online, and sometimes for free at local colleges. Many schools will let you take classes without earning credits and without tuition costs. Not only have I explored new subjects but have had the opportunity to hear the ideas of people decades younger than me, always a rewarding experience.
I refocused on a creative outlet I had set aside during my professional years. Now I dedicate myself, on a daily basis, to something I am passionate about. It doesn’t feel like work but rather like I am coming into my true self at my own speed and in my own way. Being retired means I don’t have to worry about my living expenses so I can dedicate myself to my true passion without worry about income.
Great article! I acknowledge body type changes, which means, previous go to fashion styles may no longer be my style. So, I modify and adjust towards fashionable styles that flatter the new shapelier me!
I lean into glamour, even when dressing down or sporty because it’s fun and whimsical. So a littler glittery or oversized jewelry can always be added, but classic elegance is fun too, so don’t forgo those pearls.
On makeup, well less has always been my preference; a light dusting of powder, eyeshadow & liner, sometimes mascara and a deliberate sculpting and coverage for those graying eyebrows.
Hair has never been fun for me, so basic ponytails, updos or a tight cropping of curls are go to’s depending on the attire. And, I love, love, love hats; yes I’m a hat head ☺️, they’re great accessories, which can be dressed up with a clutch and a pair of gloves.
Bohemian, Sporty, Vintage or Classic Elegance I’m whatever I want just so long as I get up and get dressed!
I walk every morning 2.5 miles, I go to a fitness club where one of my most favorite exercise is Zumba, as dancing helps me feel young and stay in shape. I love to grow flowers. I do tai chi and yoga. I also love to read, write, and paint. I’m 72, but sometimes I forget how old I am. I smile and laugh a lot.
I walk every morning 2.5 miles, I go to a fitness club where one of my most favorite exercise is Zumba, as dancing helps me feel young and stay in shape. I love to grow flowers. I do tai chi and yoga. I also love to read, write, and paint. I’m 72, but sometimes I forget how old I am. I smile and laugh a lot.
I walk every morning 2.5 miles, I go to a fitness club where one of my most favorite exercise is Zumba, as dancing helps me feel young and stay in shape. I love to grow flowers. I do tai chi and yoga. I also love to read, write, and paint. I’m 72, but sometimes I forget how old I am. I smile and laugh a lot.
I admire all you ladies who have commented here! I am quickly approaching the era of my life where you are now. At 61 I can feel myself starting to "feel old" and have had a hard time imagining how I will feel when I finally get to retire, and beyond that, into the "me" time of my life. This article and all your comments give me great hope and anticipation for the future. I want to be as sensational at 70 as you all sound! So, I start now, taking care of myself to insure that I am healthy and ready when it gets here! Cheers to you all! Much love.
Staying mobile and trying new things. I do Zumba, bike, and walk as much as possible, and am thinking of adding an eBike to my recreational repertoire. I get dressed and do makeup every day as if I were going to work, in case any spontaneous opportunities arise for doing work, service, or sociability. I don’t shy away from new stuff. I spent most of my life working as a journalist in arts and features, and now I’m on a board of directors of an organization that provides transitional housing for homeless families with children. It’s way out of my comfort zone and incredibly rewarding. I’m writing plays and poetry, mentoring women in 12-step programs, and teaching yoga to cancer survivors. I love getting your newsletters and thank you for being on the leading edge of this whole retirement adventure.
SMILE often and BIG!
Watching our weight is key to health. Not too thin but not too plump. Just right to look healthy and feel healthy. Helps with every aspect of life.
Lustre and it’s messages shared are exactly what I need to navigate retirement. Thank you.
All of the above, and I did a six month refresher course in therapy to get me over some personal hurdles. It changed everything!
I agree with all ten points and practice most of them. As I get older, though the most important thing is cultivating a rich spiritual life and relationship with the God of the Bible. This life is preparation for eternity. I’m so looking forward to it.
Have you seen the new #ilookmyage campaign? It’s fabulous.
Stella, I looked but couldn’t find it! Where do I look to look my age?! Thank you!
I practice yoga 2-3 times/week. I understand how vitally important it is to stay flexible and also realize that if I’m smart, I will never quit. It would be so tough to get it back. Flexibility came in super handy over the last two weeks. I got a cataract removed and rule #1 was no bending. (to avoid pressure if the heart is over the head.) I never realized how many items I drop in the course of the day, until I couldn’t pick them up! I had to do a deep squat to get to the item. Of course, I couldn’t find the item once in the squat, so had to grope around me on the floor until said item was located. Maybe it was Murphy’s Law in action, "once you cannot bend over, you will drop everything you touch!"
I m not trying to look my age 67. At 63 I became a professional Bodybuilder, Bikini division. I love competing. modeling, travel outdoor concerts my family and my two Giant Schnauzers
Thanks, everyone! Wonderful ideas, all.
Stella, thanks for telling us about #ilookmyage! (They stop a little young, though!)
Bobbe, here is a place to start— https://twitter.com/The_Bias_Cut/status/1673339690441744385?s=20
And Cheryl—very cool. Send a picture!
When I attend an all ladies group and the women there bristle when I walk in and seem uncomfortable with me there I know I look younger and they are just jealous. I spent so long trying to figure out why women don’t like me until a friend told me the reason. Wow. I walk into a men’s group and they are happy to see me.
Great topic! For me, I cut my own hair short and use henna, I do use moisturizer daily, been Plant- based diet for decades, daily walking with a pedometer everyday. I require routine with my sleep and make sure I keep it. And keep social.
I’m a newbe here, this is the first article I have read and I absolutely loved it. Thank you for doing this. It’s so hard to find things for the mature lady. 😉. I try and follow most all of what you have listed. I Jazzercise at least 4 times a week when I am at home. My moto has become “I have to move to keep moving “. Not only for my physical health but for my mental health. Alzheimer runs deep in my mom’s family and excercisr is the best medicine. I love dressing up and going dancing or just out for drinks. Cheers ladies 🍷Thanks again.
I enjoyed this article. Probably the first geared at MY age (70s) that was about life and living. Most articles for seniors is about dealing with Medicare, nursing homes, etc.
Amen.
Working on my health. Following Mediterranean diet, walking 5 miles a day or lifting weights. Still wearing minimal makeup and taking care of my hair. Enjoying 9 years with an amazing partner on 2 continents..
I lift weights with a trainer two to three times a week. I am very lucky I can afford this. I maintain a good skincare routine and try to stay out of direct sun as much as possible and use sunscreen religiously. I look young for my 66, going on 67 years and that is hereditary, but believe me, I enjoy it! I see other people my age and younger who look so tired and worn and I am thankful for my healthy way of life. I am not perfect, but I like me!
I have been going to PURE BARRE classes and love them! Full body exercise, ballet barre, some yoga and now they have introduced a weights class! I have finally found something other than adult ballet classes to attend! Making friends from class is an added feature!!
I ride my stationary bike 10 miles 5x a week, play golf once a week, eat a plant-based diet most days, volunteer for several organizations, entertain in my home, travel at every possibility, and have tons of friends who are always available to join me for lunch or dinner or to play a game…Just live life to the fullest. Sleeping 7 – 8 hours a night is a must for me.